The California DMV permit test has 46 questions, and you must answer at least 39 correctly to pass

The written knowledge test for a California learner's permit (also called a Class DL or CDL permit) contains exactly 46 multiple-choice questions. You need a score of 39 correct answers — which equals 83 percent — to pass. The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and vehicle operation rules found in the California Driver Handbook.

The test is administered on a computer at your local DMV office. You have no time limit to complete it, though most people finish in 10 to 20 minutes. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test the same day, though you must wait at least one day before your second attempt at some locations.

Key Takeaways

  • The California permit test contains 46 questions, and you must answer at least 39 correctly to pass.
  • All questions are multiple-choice and drawn from the California Driver Handbook, which is the only official study material you need.
  • You can take the test in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese, or Korean at most DMV locations.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test when ready at some offices or after waiting one day at others — call your local DMV to confirm their policy.

What the 46 questions cover

The California DMV does not publish a breakdown of how many questions cover each topic, but the test draws from these main areas: traffic laws and right-of-way rules, speed limits and safe following distance, parking and stopping rules, traffic signs and signals, vehicle control and handling, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and driving under the influence laws.

Questions are not weighted equally by topic. Road signs and traffic laws make up a larger portion of the test than other subjects. You will see multiple questions about the same concept — for example, several questions about what different colored traffic lights mean, or how to respond to a stop sign in different situations.

The California Driver Handbook, available free online at the DMV website and in print at any DMV office, contains all the information tested. You do not need to study anything beyond this handbook. Practice tests and study apps are available from third-party vendors, but they are not required and the DMV does not endorse any particular one.

How the test is scored and what happens if you fail

Your score is calculated when ready after you finish the test. The computer displays whether you passed or failed before you leave the testing station. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit the same day, provided you have brought all required documents and paid the permit fee.

If you do not pass, you will be told your score and which topic areas you missed the most questions on. You can retake the test on the same day at some DMV offices, though you must wait at least one day before your second attempt at others. Contact your local DMV office before your test to confirm whether same-day retesting is available in your area.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each attempt costs the same fee as your first test. You have six months from the date you pass the written test to pass the behind-the-wheel driving test; if you do not pass within that window, you must retake the written test as well.

Languages and accommodations for the permit test

The California DMV offers the permit test in six languages: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Korean. You can request your preferred language when you schedule your test appointment or when you arrive at the DMV office.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a vision or mobility disability, you can request accommodations such as a reader, an interpreter, or a computer with enlarged text. You must request accommodations when you schedule your appointment, not on the day of your test. Contact your local DMV office at least one week before your planned test date to arrange these services.

Preparing for the 46-question test

The most effective way to prepare is to read the California Driver Handbook from start to finish and then review the sections where you feel least confident. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests after reading the handbook, which helps you identify weak areas before your official test.

The DMV website offers a free sample test with 20 questions that mimics the format and difficulty of the real test. This sample test is a good way to understand what the actual test will feel like, though it covers only a portion of the 46 questions you will see.

Focus on understanding the rules rather than memorizing answers. Questions are often phrased in different ways to test whether you understand the concept, not just whether you remember a specific sentence from the handbook. For example, you might see one question about a yellow light and another about what to do when you see a yellow light while turning — both test your understanding of the same rule.

What to bring and expect on test day

Bring your completed process (Form DL 44), proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will also need to pay the permit fee, which varies by age and type of permit. Bring a valid payment method — the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. The DMV will verify your documents, take your photograph, and then direct you to a computer station to take the test. You will be alone at the computer, and no outside materials — including phones, notes, or the handbook — are allowed during the test.

The testing area is quiet and monitored. A DMV staff member will be present to answer procedural questions, but they cannot help you with test content. Once you begin the test, you can move through questions at your own pace and review your answers before submitting your final result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the permit test?

No. You cannot bring any outside materials into the testing area, including your phone, notes, the Driver Handbook, or study guides. The test is administered on a computer provided by the DMV, and you must complete it without outside resources.

What happens if I fail the test — do I have to wait before retaking it?

It depends on your local DMV office. Some offices allow you to retake the test the same day, while others require you to wait at least one day. Call your local DMV office before your test to confirm their retesting policy.

Is the permit test harder than the driver's license test?

The permit test and the written portion of the driver's license test cover similar material and have the same passing score (83 percent). The driver's license test is slightly longer with 50 questions instead of 46, but the difficulty level is comparable.

Can I take the test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the permit test in Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Korean. Request your preferred language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the DMV office.

How long does the permit test take?

Most people complete the 46-question test in 10 to 20 minutes. There is no time limit, so you can take as long as you need to read and answer each question carefully.